Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Another bishop to be installed in China without Vatican approval

The persecuted Church in China continues to need our fervent prayers:

China's Catholics divided by new bishop appointment
Fri May 12, 2006 3:48am ET

By Chris Buckley

BEIJING (Reuters) - Sparring between Beijing and the Vatican is set to intensify on Sunday as China installs another bishop apparently without the blessing of the Pope, extending a row over who rules China's divided Catholic Church.

Zhan Silu, also called Vincent Zhan, will become bishop of Mindong Diocese in eastern Fujian province, and he -- like two other bishops appointed in China in past weeks -- apparently lacks the Holy See's approval, which bishops even in China's state-controlled church have regularly sought in recent years.

"I did write to the Vatican to ask for recognition, but I've never heard anything back," Zhan said on Friday. "For me, Vatican approval is important, but I also have to consider local needs."
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 9:28 AM